Method and machine for strapping boxes



25, 1941- G. c. PAXTON ,725

METHOD AND MACHINE FOR STRAPPING' BOXES Filed July 26, 1938 15Sheets-Sheet 1 Feb. 25, 1941. G. c. PAXTON 2, 5

METHOD AND MACHINE FOR STRAPPINQ BOXES Filed July 26, 1938 15Sheets-Sheet 2 70 E52 "'m. 21w. 3

Feb. 25, 1941. G. c. PAXTON 2,232,725

METHOD AND MACHINE FOR STRAPPING BOXES Filed July 26,. 1938 15Sheets-Sheet 3 a i j z i II II il-H H 2 .435 M {5 gdl y a Feb. 25, 1941.G. c. PAXTON 2,232,725

METHOD AND MACHINE FOR STRABPING BOXES Filed July 26, 1938 15Sheets-Sheet 4 .lwewme 627mm 6 my Feb; 25, 1941. G. c. PAXTON 2,232,725

METHOD AND MACHINE FOR STRAPPING BOXES Filed July 26, 1938 15Sheets-Sheet 5 Ill.

Eg 3 m an 2/4 2 1619 man me z/4 5 62764106 ,rmi/

Feb. 25, 1941. a. c. PAXTON ,725

METHOD AND MACHINE FOR STRA PPING BOXES Filed July 26, 1938 15Sheets-Sheet 7 E /47 m9 9e Z u" m3 2a Er Feb. 25, 1941. V dc. PAXTON 2 12,232,725

METHOD AND MACHINE FOR STRAPPING BOXES Feb. 25, 1941. G. c. PAXTONY 3272 METHOD AND MACHINE FOR STRAPPING BOXES Filed July 26. 1938 15Sheets-Sheet 9 Y Feb. 25, 1941. s. c. PAXTON 2,232,725

METHOD AND MACHINE FOR STRAPPING BOXES Filed July 26, 1938 15Sheets-Sheet 10 up w w /67 Q r I v 54 w o o o o o 1 I, uh. 'ho 1 u. 1..w

5 I ll|j.l

y f I I I Q; a) u 5/ Feb. 25, 1941. a. c. PAXTON I ,7 5

METHOD AND MACHINE FOR STRAPPING BOXES Filed July 26, 193B 15Sheet's-Sheet 11 142 w 290 am we :97 298 {a [h m "'1 M Z m I' Y Ma 9 7h/47 65 21540 Uh Z9 lllllll 'IIIIIIIII'IIIIIII Y Feb. 25, 1941. G. c.PAXTON 2,232,725

METHOD AND MACHINE FOR STRAPPING BOXES Filed July 26, 1938 15Sheets-Shet 1:2

m/avrae I 656710 c. ,rrm/

FOAh 40 Pine-F55 .s'rappz H6 49 .716. 49 E65 .50

Feb. 25; 1941. s. c. PAXTON 2,232,725

METHOD AND MACHINE FOR STRAPPING BOXES Filed July 26, 1938 15Sheets-Sheet 13 Feb. 25, 1941.

G. c. PAXTON METHOD AND MACHINE FOR STRAPPING BOXES Filed July 26, 193815 Sheets-Sheet 14 I i f i /IIIIIIII/Il a um me: G'EPAlfl 6 ITO/V G. C.PAXTON METHOD AND MACHINE FOR STRAPPING BOXES Feb. 25, 1941.

15 Sheets-Sheet 15 Filed July 26, 1938 Armin/EV Patented Feb. 25, 1941 z,2sz,7zs

PATENT OFFICE mn'rnon AND momma ron. srmrrma noxas Gerald c. Paxton,Santa Ana, commandto Food Machinery Corporation, San-Jose, alif., acorporation of Delaware Application July 2c. 1938. Serial n 221,344

50 Claims.

In the prior art, the operators of machines forstrapping the ends ofboxes had to pull strap material into the machine between the nailingdevices and the ends of the box. This, of course, consumed aconsiderable portion of the time of the operator in strapp boxes.

It is an object of my invention to provide a novel method of and machinefor strapping the ends of boxes which will eliminate the need for theoperator pulling the strap into the machine.

Another object is to accomplish automatically the shaping of theunderlapping strap ends over the foremost comers of the box in the firstnailing operation.

It is a further object of my invention to provide a novel method of andmachine for strapping boxes in which the strap feeding means iscontrollable to predetermine the amount of strap material contained insaid underlapping portions.

Yet another object of my invention is to provide a novel method of andmachine for strapping boxes in which the strap is fed from con-- tinuouslengths thereof and automatically cut so as to permit'the operator topredetermine the amount of strap material contained in overlappingportions of the strap material.

- It is also an object of my invention to provide a novel method of anda machine for strapping boxes in which the underlap and overlap portionsof strap material which are nailed down to the box in the final nailingoperation are automatically maintained substantially flush with the boxends during the nailing operationa Yet another object of my invention isto provide a method of and machine for strapping boxes in which a strapis automatically shaped to closely fit the corners of the boxes whetherthe latter be rounded or square.

Another object of my invention is to provide a novel method of andmachine for strapping ends of boxes which is adapted for use in therapid manufacture of metal bound boxes diflering in size.

Yet another object of my invention is to provide a strapping machine inwhich the strap is automatically cut incidental to a nailing operationwhich precedes one or more following nailing operations in which theloose portions of strap material are then nailed to the box.

A stillfurther object is to provide a novel stop means and mechanism foroperating this to fa- 5 cilitate the nailing of boxes as inmanufacturing or strapping the same. g

It is another object of my invention to provide a novel method andmachine for strapping boxes in which a surplus of strap material is made10 available during each nailing operation for use in the next nailingoperation thereby facilitating the repositioning of the box for the nextnailing operation.

It is also an object of my invention to provide 15 a novel method andmachine for strapping'boxes in which the strap isnailed to a given faceof a box in the initial nailing operation with a rela-v tively long endportion of said strap extending beyond said face and in which said endportion 20 is protected from deformation during a subsequent nailingoperation preceding the time when said strap end portion is nailed tosaid box.

Itis another object of my invention to provide a. novel method andmachine for'strapping 25 boxes in which the strap material isautomatically positioned between the nail chucks and the box so that thenails driven from these chucks pierce said'material in .a predeterminedrelation with the latter. a

Another object of my invention is to provide a novel method and machinefor strapping boxes in which a loose end of strap material of sub-,stantial length is nailed to 'a box and in which said loose end of strapmaterial is automatically 35 brought into alignment with the nails to bedriven through said strap immediately prior to the driving of saidnails.

The manner of accomplishing the foregoing obiects as well as furtherobjects and'advantages 40 will be made manifest in-the followingdescription taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figs. 1 to 39, inclusive, illustrate the construction and operation'oi'a preferred form of strap 45 machine of this invention, adjusted toapply a strap around four sides of each end of a box as illustrated'inFig. 3.

Figs. 40 to 50, inclusive, illustrate the same ma chine as shown inFigs. 1 to 39, except for oer- 50 tain changes in adjustment and indetails of the construction thereof to enable the machine to apply astrap on three sides of each of the ends of a box as shown in Fig. 45.

. Figs. 51 to 54, inclusive, show a modified form 55 of box stopmechanism of my invention.

Figs. 55 to 57, inclusive, illustrate a power strap feed mechanism whichmay be employed on the machine of this invention.

Figs. 58 to 63, inclusive, illustrate the construction and operation ofa modified form of strap aligning mechanism adapted for use with saidmachine.

Figs. 64 to 67, inclusive, show a still further method of strapping abox and the changes in the anvil construction of the machine of myinvention which are necessary to accomplish the strapping of a box asshown in Fig. 64.

Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of the machine of my invention.

Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of said machine taken on theline 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a box, ends of which "have been strappedin saidmachine.

Fig. 4 is a rear elevational view of the lower portions of said machine.

Fig. 5 is a ditic vertical sectional view taken on the line H of Fig. 4and showing the strap feed motor control switch and operating camtherefor as said switch and cam are positioned when the operation ofsaid machine is commenced, said motor then being energized to rotate ina direction to feed strap material.

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5 and shows said switch and cam aspositioned just before the second strap nailing operation of saidmachine, said motor then being shut ofi'.

Fig.7isaviewsimilartoFig. 5 inwhich said switch and cam are shown in theposition in which they are found just prior to the third nailingoperation of said machine in the strapping of a box, said strap feedmotor then being in reverse.

Fig.8isaviewsimilartoFig.5inwhichsaid switch and said cam are shown inthe podtions in which they are disposed just prior to the fourth nailingoperation of said machine in the strapping of a box, said strap feedingmotor then being shut off.

Kg. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 9-4 of Fig. 4and illustrating one of the strap releasing cams as this is positionedjust prior to the first mailing operation of said machine. This view andFig. 5 are taken at the same instant in the operation of the machine.

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 9 showing said strap releasing campositioned as it is just before the second nailing operation of saidmachine. This view and Fig. 6 are taken at the same instant in theoperation of the machine.

. Fig. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal sectional view lookingupwardly and taken on the line I l-l l of Fig. 9, said view illustratingthe included in the machine adjustable control means for. regulating thelength of strap material fed by the strap feeding mechanism.

Fig. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary detailed view taken on the line lI-llof Fig. 4 and illustrating the mechanism for supporting and actuatingline ii-ll of Fig. 14 and showing the strap cutter of my invention inretracted position.

Fig. 16 is a view similar to F18. showing said strap cutter in strapcutting position.

Fig. 17 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken on the line l'!--I Iof Fig. 15 and illustrating the shape of the dies of said cutter.

Fig. 18 is an enlarged detailed cross-sectional view of one of the strapcorner formers of my invention.

Fig. 19 is a bottom plan view taken in the direction of the arrow IS inFig. 18.

Fig; 20 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 20-20 of Fig. 18.

Fig. 21 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the foremostextremity of a length of strap material when this is being fed into saidmachine.

Fig. 211: is an end elevational view taken in the direction of the arrow2 la in Fig. 21.

Fig. 22 is a vertical transverse sectional view through the anvilmechanism of my invention taken on the line 22-42 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 23 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the line 23-43 of F18.22.

Fig. 24 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the manner in which a box issupported by the anvil mechanism of my machine during each of the firstand third nailing operations in the strapping of said box.

Fig. 25 is a view similar to Fig. 24 and illustrating what happens atthe completion of each of the first and third nailing operations in thestrapping of a box.

Fi;.. 26 is a view similar to Fig. 24 and illustrates the position ofthe anvil mechanism at the beginning of each of the second and fourthnailing operations.

Fig. 27 is a diagrammatic fragmentary crosssectional operation viewillustrating the situation at the beginning of the first nailingoperation in strapping a box, and showing the position of the strapafter it has been automatically fed forwardly between the nailing unitsand the ends of the box.

Fig. 28 is a view similar to Fig. 27 and illustrates the situation atthe beginning of the second nailing operation.

Fig. 29 is a view similar to Fig. 2'1 and illustrates the situation atthe beginning of the third nailing operation.

Fig. 30 is a View similar to Fig. 29 and illustrates the situationduring the third nailing operation as the nails are driven into the boxand as the strap is cut.

Fig. 31 is a view similar to Fig. 28 and illustrates the situation atthe beginning of the final or fourth nailing operation.

Fig. 31a is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the overlappingends of strap where these are nailed together to a box end by thecompletion of the operation illustrated in Fig. 31. Fig. 32 is anenlarged detail view of one of the strap guiding devices mounted on thenail chucks.

this view being taken on the line 22-32 of Fig. 31.

Fig. 33 is a bottom plan view of Fig. 32 and is taken in the directionof arrow SI.

Fig. 34 is a side elevational view of Fig. 32 and is taken in thedirection of arrow 34.

Fig. 35 is an enlarged detail view of a portion of Fig. 27 andillustrates the method of feeding the strap into the machine.

Fig. 36 is a fragmentary detail view illustrating the manner in whcihthe strap is shaped about the front corner of the box during each, Fig.52 is enlarged fragmentary sectional I nailing operation. V

Fig. 37 is a view similar to Fig. 35 and illustrates the manner in whichthe strap is formed about both the front and rear corners of a boxduring the fourth nailing operation of the machine.

Fig. 38' is an operation view of one of the strap guiding devicesprovided on the nail chuck and is taken on the line 35-" of Fig. 37.

Fig. 39 is a diagrammatic fragmentary perspective view illustrating oneof the strap forming devices which operate on the straps at the upperrear corner of the box during the fourth nailing operation.

Fig. 40 is a fragmentary diagrammatic operation view illustratingcertain operative parts of the machine as these are positioned at thebeginning of a new modified cycle of strapping operations for strappinga box as shown in Fig. 45.

Fig. 41 is a view similar to Fig. 9 but showing a modified strapreleasing cam adapted for use in strapping a box as shown in Fig. 45 andpositioned as at the beginning of a modified cycle of strappinoperations as aforesaid.

Fig. 42 is a view similar to Fig. 40 and illustrating the situation atthe beginning of the second operation of the aforesaid modified cycle ofstrapping operations.-

Fig. 43 is a view similar to Fig. 41 and illustrating the position ofthe modified strap releasing cam shown therein when the parts of themachine are positioned as shown in Fig. 42.

Fig. 44 is a view similar to Fig. 42 taken during the middle of thesecond strapping operation and illustrates the nailing of the straps tothe bottom of the box, the cutting of the strap, and the lowering of thestrap idler wheels to gr p the straps against the strap feed wheels thuspreventing the straps from withdrawing from the strap feed mechanismwhen they are cut.

Fig. 45 is a perspective view of a box after this has been strapped bythe modified cycle of strapping operations aforesaid to provide what isknown as a three-quarter" strapping job.

Fig. 46 is a view similar to Fig. 40 and illustrates the situation atthe beginning of the third nailing operation of the aforesaid modifiedcycle.

Fig. 47 is a fragmentary view similar to Fig. 46 and illustrating themanner in which the operator may bend the final lap end portions of thestraps over the adjacent corner of the box preparatory to forming thefinal or tourth nailing operation of said modified cycle- Fig. 48 is aview similar to Fig. 5 but showing a modified switch operating cam foruse in the modified cycle of strapping operations aforesaid, said cambeing positioned when the parts of the machine are disposed as shown inFig. 40, that is, as at the end of a fourth nailing operation and at thebeginning of a first nailing operation in said modified cycle.

Fig. 49 is a view similar to Fig. 48 and illustrates said cam positioned'as when the parts of the machine are disposed as shown in Fig. 42.

Fig. 50 is a view similar to Fig.4!) and illustrates said cam with thelatter positioned as when the parts of the machine are disposed shown inFig. 46.

Fig. '51 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a modified form of upperbox stop mechanism which forms a part of mydnvention, said view showingthe upper box stops positioned as at the beginning of the first andthird nailing operations.

' of. said stop mechanism detailed 'view of the helical transmissiongears 52-52of Flg..51.

Fig. 53 is a reduced sectional operation view taken on theline 53-53 ofFig. 52 .and illustratpieginning of the first and third nailingoperaons.

Fig. 54 is a view similar to Fig. 53 but showing said mechanism as it isdisposed at the beginning of the second and fourth nailing operations.

Fig.55 is a fragmentary diagrammatic side elevational view of themachine of my invention and illustrates a power strap feed mechanismwhich is a part of my invention and which is adapted to provide anadequate amount of a strap material incidental to each nailing operationso, that such material will be available for properly positioning thebox in readiness for performing the next nailing operation.

Fig. 56 is a rear elevational view of Fig. 55.

Fig. 57 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken on the line 51-51 ofFig. 55.

Fig. 58 is a view similar to Fig. 35 and illustrates a modified form ofstrap material centralizing mechanism for aligning the strap materialwith the line along which the nails are to be driven therethrough.

so Fig. 59 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line "-58 of Fig. 58,and illustrating a strap guiding and centering device included in saidcentralizin mechanism.

Fig. 60 is a view similar to Fig. 59 and is taken 35 the strap guidingand centering device shown 40 therein at a different point in thereof.

V Fig. 62 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 62-82 of Fig. 58and illustrates a third strap the operation guiding and centering deviceof the mechanism 45 shown in Fig. 58.

Fig. 63 is a view similar to 62 and shows the strap guiding andcentering device illustrated therein at a difierent point in theoperation of said device.

Fig. 64 is a perspective view of a box after having been strapped by themethod and machine of my invention with the strap ends overlapping wherethey are nailed to a side face of the box and approximately equidistantfrom the top and bottom edges of said side face.

Fig. 65 is a perspective view of a modified form of anvil especiallyadapted for use in the strapping of a box as shown in Fig. 64.

Fig. 66 is a fragmentary elevational view taken in the direction of thearrow '86 in Fig. 65 and illustrating the manner in which said modifiedform of anvil protects a loose strap end from deformation.

-Fig. 67 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view 65 taken on the line61-61 of Fig. 66 and illustrates how a box is supported on said modifiedform of anvil when a loose strap end is disposed beneath said boxwithout imposing the weight of the box or the pressure of the nailingoperation 70 which will be designated by the numeral 50 (Figs.

and'is tal rfen on- I ing said stop mechanism as it is disposed at-the 1and 2). This machine includes a frame 8|, a

main power mechanism 82, an anvil mechanism 83 (Figs. 1, 2, 22 and 23),a nailing mechanism 88 (Figs. 1, 2, 35 and 3'1), and a strap feeding 5;mechanism 55 (Figs. 2, 4, 12 and 2'7).

The frame 51 This frame includes a base 51 (Figs. 1, 2 and 4) having twoside standards 58 and 88, the latter being connected by a cross bar 88and I-beams 8I.

Supported upon the main frame base 81, is a main motor base 82. Securedat their forward edges to rear edges of the standards 88 and 88 are rearframe plates 88 and 88.

181 Main power mechanism 52 This mechanism includes a motor 81 which ismounted on the motor base 82. Journalled in suitable hearings in thestandards88 and 88 and in the motor base 82 is a main crank shaft 88 anda counter shaft 88 (Fig. 2). The motor 81 drives a clutch 18 provided onthe counter shaft .88 (see Fig. 1) through a chain 1|. The counter shaft88 also has a hand wheel 18, an automatic brake 18, a master drivepinion 11 and a nail hopper drive pinion 18. Operating through a trainof gears 18 mounted on the side frame standard 58, the pinion 18 causesa crank 88 to rotate slowly.

The shaft 88 has a master gear 8| which is driven by the master pinion11. Provided on the gear 8| is a clutch throw out dog 82.

Journalled in suitable bearings on the base 51 (see Fig. 1) is a shaft88 hearing an arm 88 which is adapted to be operated by a pedal 81 tothrow in the clutch 1o. Extending into the path of the dog 82 is a rod88 which is pivotally connected to an arm 88 on the shaft 88 and isslidably mounted in the standard 88 so that at the completion of eachrevolution of the master gear 8| and the main crank shaft 88 on whichthis is mounted, the dog 82 engages the rod 88 and throws out the clutch18. This action is also effective, through means well known in the art,to set the brake 18 and stop the rotation of counter shaft 88.

Provided on the opposite'end of the'shaft 88 is a crank 88 and thiscrank and the master gear 8| have crank pins 8| which are alwaysupwardly 50 disposed when the dog 82 halts rotation of the shaft 88.

The shaft 88 also has fixed thereon a miter pinion gear 82 and a pinionsprocket 88.

Anvil Mechanism 53 55 This mechanism is best shown in Figs. 1, 2, 22,23, 24, 25 and 26. It includes a beam 88 (see Figs. 2 and 2-2), oppositeends of which extend slidably into the inner channels of the I-beams 8|and are secured thereto by cap screws 81. Journalled in the beam 88 andin the main motor base 82 is a vertical shaft 88 bearing at its lowerend a miter gear 88 which is connected (see Fig. 2) through a shear pinI88 to a flanged collar I8I fixed on this shaft. Provided on the upp rend of the shaft 88, above and below the beam 88, are channel cams I85,having channels I88. Mounted in the beam 88 are slide rod I81. Slidableon these rods are cam followers I88 having rollers I88 which extend intothe channels 70 I88 as clearly shown in Fig. 22 and Fig. 23. The

followers I88 have rods I I8 which extend in opposite directions each ofthese rods being adapted to control the position of one of a pair ofanvil units III. Each of the anvil units In includes a sliding base 8(see Fig. 23) having feet 8 which are slidably disposed in the innerchannels of the I-beams 8|. Each of the rods 8 extends through asuitable hole in one of the sliding bases H8 and is secured thereto by aset screw H1. 8 Each base II8 also has a set screw II8 which serves thepurpose of an adjustable stop.

Each unit "I has a slide body I28 including side members I2| which areplvotally supported on the sliding base feet 8 by tnmnion pins I22 10and which are connected to a boss plate I28 by cap screws I28. Providedon the plate I28 is a 1 boss I28 the latter having vertical threadedapertures I28.

The slide body I28 forms a vertical slide way 15 I21 which snuglyreceives upper and lower anvil: I28 and I28. Each of the anvils I28 andI28 has a vertical slot I 88 therein in which a threaded shaft I8I' isrotatably mounted. this shaft screwing through one of the hola I28 inthe boss I 28 (see Fig. 23), and being rotatable by a squared head I82to adjust that particular anvil up or down as required. Adjustablysecured on the upper rear ends of the anvils I28 and I28 of each unitare stops I 88 and I88, respectively. 25

The anvil units III are adaptedto be swung about the trunnion pins I22so as to swing the upper ends of these units outwardly. The adjustablestops I,I8, however, bear against the lower portion of anvil I28 (seeFig. 22) so as to 30 prevent the upper portions of the anvil units fromrocking inwardly beyond vertical position.

If one of the anvil units III is rocked outwardly, it tends to return tovertical pofltlon by gravity when released. 38

Mounted in the machine 88 just above the anvil mechanism 88 is a boxflushing. mechanism I88 (as shown in Figs. 1 and 2). This includes apair of shafts I88 and I88,'the latter being fixed at its ends upon theside frame plates 88 40 and 88, and the former (see Fig. 1) beingslidably mounted on said frame plates and extending laterallytherebeyond on both sides of the machine. At one end, shaft I88 has acollar I fixed thereon and a spring I82 disposed about said shaftbetween said collar and the side frame plate 88 maintains the shaft I88disposed in a rightward direction as shown in Fig. 1.

0n the opposite end of the shaft I88 is a cam block m which has abeveled cam face as shown in Fig. 1. Mounted on the shaft I88 and I48are box end flusher arms I88 and I88, the former of these being fixed tothe shaft I88 and slidable relative to shaft I88 while arm I88 isslidable relative to shaft m and fixed to shaft m. Adjustably mounted onthe upper edges of the arms I88 and I88 (see Figs. 1, 2 and 39) are rearcorner strap shapers I41.

Nailing mechanism 54 go This mechanism is best shown in Figs. 1, 2 and35 and 37. It includes a crosshead I88 which is slidably mounted on theupper ends of the side standards 88 and 88 in vertical slots formed inthe latter. The crosshead I88 is supported by pltmans I88 which arepivotally mounted on opposite ends of the crosshead and the lower endsof which are pivoted on the crank pins 8|. The crosshead I88 has driverbeams I81 which are adjustable laterally on the crosshead and upon whichare mounted a multiplicity of nailing punches I88. the latter beingadjustable longitudinally on the beams I81.

Suspended from the crosshead I88 (see Figs. 1 and 2) and verticallyslidable relative thereto is a chuck supporting yoke I89, the latterhaving slidable clamps I99 by which pairs of bars I9I are adjustablysecured to the yoke I59. Mounted adiustably between each pair of barsIII is a series of nail chucks I52 there being one of these nail chucksfor each of the punches I59 and in alignment with the latter so as toslidably recelve the lower end thereof.

The chuck supporting yoke I59 is supported 10 from the crosshead I55 byvertical shafts I95 which extend upwardly through the crosshead andsupport a bank of nail receiving funnels I39,

each of which is connected by a flexible tube I61 with one of the nailchucks I52. Mounted upon the upper ends of side standards 53 and 59 is anail'storage and feeding mechanism I19 which may be substantially likethat shown in U. S. Letters Patent to 'Herbert E. Twomley, No.

1,409,891, issued March 14, 1922.

. This mechanism includes a pivoted hopper In which is reciprocatedbetween upwardly' and downwardly inclined positions by a pitman I12 (seeFig. 1) pivotally connected on its opposite ends to the hopper HI and tothe crank 99'. This mechanism also includes a series of nail runways I13which deliver the nails from the hopper "I to a series of nail picks I14which are operated by rollers I15 on a'rotating control bar I19, thelatter being turned by a ratchet mechanism I11 and an arm I19 which isreciprocated vertically by the crosshead I55 during each nailingoperation. There is a runway I13 and nail pick I19 for each of the nailreceiving funnels I99 and there is a set of four rollers I15 on theshaft I19 for each of the picks I14. The ratchet mechanism I11 operatesso as to rotate the control shaft I15 one quarter revolution for eachnailing operation, revolution of the shaft I19, each of the nail picksI19 is actuated to deliver into its funnel I99, by one of its fourrollers I15 being swung through an arc of 90 degrees past this nailpick. Where any of these rollers I15 are removed from the 45 shaft I19,however, the nail pick which otherwise would have been actuated by theroller thus eliminated will fail to feed a nail whenever the space wherethis removed roller had been is turned arolmd opposite that nail pick.This is to en- 50 able the adjustment of this machine to feed nails tocertain of the chucks during certain nailing operations and to fail tofeed nails to these chucks during other nailing operations, as will bemade clear in the description of the op- 55 eration of the machine 59.

Each of the nail chucks I92 (see Figs. 32, 33

and 34) has a body I99 having an internal chamber into which a nail isfed from one of the tubes I91, this nail being fed in between a pair of60 chuck jaws (not shown) which are spring pressed inwardly by leafsprings I85. Fixed upon the lower end of the chuck body of each of thenail chucks I92 is a strap guide plate I85 having a hole I 91, throughwhich the nail is driven from 5 the chuck, and strap guiding ribs I 89on opposite sides of said hole.

Provided on certain of the chucks I92 as shown in Figs. 32 to inclusive,are strap flushing devices I99, there being as many of these devices asare necessary to properly guide the strap in a manner to be describedhereinafter. Each' of these includes a pair of bifurcated arms I9I andI92 which are eccentrically pivoted by a pin I93 on the body I99 of thechuck and are connected 1 together by springs I94 which maintain flusherDuring each such quarter' heads I95 and lllnormally swung into positionsbeneath the chuck body as shown in Fig. 32. when thus swung inwardly,the distance between the guide heads I95 and I93 is approximately equalto the width of the strap material to be. 5

' used in the machine 59. Stop screws I91 provided on these may beadjusted to determine the inwardmost positions of the guide heads I95and I99. .As shown in Fig. 32, the eccentric position .drawings, theseguiding devices may be used on fewer or more of the chucks wherever thisis desired. Also carried on the crosshead I55 (see Fig. 1) is a cam I93which slides against the outside of frame standard- 59, so that whenthecrosshead is lowered, the cam I93 passes between this standard andblock In thus shifting shaft 139 25 to theieft and compressing springI42.

Supported at the front end of each chuck unit on thebars I5'I thereof isa strap comer shaping device 295. Each of these devices includes a yokelike body 200 which embraces bars m as shown in Fig. 20 and has setscrews 291 for fixing this body upon these bars. Extending into a recess299 formed In the body 29l isl an arm 21. which is pivoted on thebody onapin 2-I-I.

The arm 2III has a recess 2'I2'in its rear face 35 leaving an inner wall213, side walls 2, a bottom wall 215, the lower end of the wall 2I3having a beveled face 2I9 which terminates at its. upper edge in atransverse notch 2| 1. Formed upwardly in the arm 2I9, from the beveledface 2I9 and, notch 211, is a narrow slot 2I3 which opens into therecess 2I2 and in which is |pivotaily mounted a guide finger 229. Theupper end of the guide finger extends into the recess 2I2 and is heldagainst the wall 293 by a leaf spring 222 so as to cause the lower edgeof the finger to extend across the notch 2" in the plane of the beveledface 2I9.

Extending through the upper end of the leaf spring 22-2 and through asuitable opening in the wall 2I3 and threadedly received in a suitable 1hole in the body 299 is a threaded stud 223, a nut 22 on whichcom-presses a spring 225 against the leaf spring 222 and the wall 2I3which yield- Strap feeding mechanism This mechanism is supported on therear frame plates 95 and 69. It includes a pair of reel supportingshafts 239 and a spacer shaft 231, opposite ends of which are rigidlysecured to the frame plates 95 and 66, (see Figs. 2 and 4).

Supported on the shaft 239 are two strap reels 232 each of whichincludes a pair of side plates 233 equipped with sleeves 234 which aresiidable on the shafts 239 and may be fixed to the latter as by setscrews 235. The .plates 233 oi." each reel 232 are spaced apart by ballbearings 239 (see Fig. 4-) held in place by cap screws 231 and

